Synopsis for Rogue One prequel novel expands on Mads Mikkelsen's character

With the large amount of STAR WARS tie-in merchandise attached to each STAR WARS film, we learn just as much from the various toys, costumes and books which are released as we do from the official teasers and trailers. ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY is just several months away at this point, but there's still much we don't know about the film, including just how Mads Mikkelsen's character fits into the story. As with most information surrounding ROGUE ONE, the following may contain what some could consider minor spoilers, so carry on accordingly.

A recently unearthed synopsis for the upcoming ROGUE ONE prequel novel "Catalyst" by James Luceno may shed a little bit of light on both Mads Mikkelsen's character and his relationship with Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn).

War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.

Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.

So, what did we learn? Well, the story seems to take place during The Clone Wars given the mention of both the Republic and the Separatists and we finally know what aspect of the Death Star was developed by Galen Erso, the deadly super-laser which will be used to destroy entire planets. I like the idea that the Erso family owe a debt to Krennic (wondering how that will play in ROGUE ONE) and that Galen began working on the Death Star project without fully understanding what his work would be used for.

"Catalyst" will be released on November 15, 2016 and ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY will hit theaters on December 16, 2016.